• Driving Crete by car reveals Kourtsa’s towering, sharp-edged limestone formations near Chonos.
• These meteoric rock pillars rise from ancient karst erosion—best explored via dirt road from Chonos.
• Rent a car with AUTOWAY for flexible travel, top‑rated service, and peace of mind with insurance. 

Mountainside Sculpture Carved by Nature
Kourtsa, near Chonos in Mylopotamos, features a dramatic limestone landscape. It resembles meteors frozen in time—sharp, tall, and impressive. These formations rise from erosion over millions of years, creating aisles for hikers and spaces for local shrubs and trees.

Largest Karstic Formation on Crete

 Similar karst landscapes appear elsewhere on Crete, but Kourtsa is the island’s biggest. It sprawls across acres within Natural Park Psiloritis, where the Talean Mountains meet Psiloritis foothills. The terrain is classic karst—prone to dissolution and erosion—shaping these unique rock towers.

Village Name Tied to Geology

Chonos itself reflects karst geology. The village sits atop a fertile sinkhole plain. Here, two smaller and one large doline funnel rainwater underground. Locals call these natural pits “chonos.” This ties the settlement’s identity to its landscape.

Scenic Drive and Easy Access

Kourtsa is accessible via a well-maintained dirt road from Chonos. A car lets you explore at your own pace. With AUTOWAY car rental in Crete, you enjoy flexible itineraries, inclusive insurance, and responsive support. It’s a top-rated Crete car hire service with more than 3000 reviews.

Combine with Other Crete Hikes

Driving lets you link Kourtsa with other striking natural sites. Stop at the karstic Vorvoulitis Pond on your way—filled by sinkhole action and featured in this guide on Vorvoulitis Pond: https://autoway.gr/vorvoulitis-pond-cretes-hidden-karst-sinkhole/.
Or pair with a family visit to Cretaquarium https://autoway.gr/cretaquarium-a-top-family-stop-in-crete/ and get travel tips from AUTOWAY’s guide to seamless Crete travel https://autoway.gr/travel-tips-for-crete-by-autoway/.
Even if you’re not a history buff, off‑road karst exploration adds balance to your itinerary https://autoway.gr/not-a-history-fan-in-crete-guide/.

Why You Need a Car for Crete’s Karst Wonders
Public transport won’t take you to Kourtsa or Chonos. Driving means freedom. With AUTOWAY you get transparent pricing, full insurance, and a fleet ready for rugged roads. Top rated across Crete, AUTOWAY ensures confident travel through these landscapes.

Ready to explore Crete’s dramatic karstic towers in Kourtsa and beyond? Rent a car with AUTOWAY for flexible routes, full insurance, and top-rated service at www.autoway.gr. Unlock Crete’s nature, your way.